Link Up Term 2 Week 8 2021

I write to you in this Link Up from the Association for Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools Retreat. This Retreat, held every two years, has a purpose much like the Retreats and Reflection Days we provide for our students at the College; to prioritise time for spiritual reflection and development, and to be invited into a space where we may grow, so we may better serve the communities to whom we act in service in our leadership roles.

This year’s Retreat “Listen to what the Spirit is saying”, has provided many opportunities for reflection and growth, but I wanted to share one topic that I found particularly impactful. The topic of The Healing Power of Forgiveness is one that is so relevant to us as a community of students, staff and families, and to the model of Restorative Justice that is the foundation of the work undertaken in the College to repair and heal when relationships are damaged. I hope, in sharing this excerpt, it may similarly encourage and challenge you.

Gavin McGlaughlin
Principal

Healing Power of Forgiveness Excerpt

Forgiveness is the heart of the Gospel

Forgiveness is the heart of the Gospel. The heart of the Christian Gospel and it is very difficult to see how people who do believe in the Gospel of Christ can reconcile unforgiveness with believing in Christ, and yet we know that that does happen and can happen to us too – in our own life we can try to hold on to resentments and to bitterness, to the desire to get our own back and at the same time try to live the Gospel of Christ. Gregory Jones who has written a wonderful book on forgiveness some time ago said, says, “those who are forgiven by Jesus are called to embody that forgiven-ness in the new life signified by communion with Jesus and that of the other disciples – indeed – that forgiven-ness calls believers to live penitent lives and seek to reconstruct human relationships in the service of holiness of heart and life”.

Gift of God and a Human Process

The power to reconstruct, the power to give a new shape and a new direction to one’s life when one has been badly hurt – comes through forgiveness. Forgiveness is primarily a theological concept – a religious concept and I suppose that is why for such a long time the world of psychology left forgiveness to the religious people, to the preachers, to the ministers, the theologians. They never looked at forgiveness – now thank God they are beginning to pay attention to the process of forgiveness – because forgiveness is not just a gift of God it is also a human process. And a human process that involves a great variety of human emotions. And so certainly a subject that psychology can teach us a great deal about as they examine the process, how does this human process of forgiving unfold? Where does it becomes stuck and how does it become unstuck. We can learn a great deal from what phycologist today are writing about forgiveness.

We are a forgiven, forgiving people

We are a forgiven, forgiving people – that is the very definition of the Church. If we are forgiven then we in turn forgive. We can not reconcile being forgiven and being unforgiving. Of course Christ built that in to his prayer didn’t he; “forgive us as we forgive them!” There is no real leeway there at all – we are either forgiving or we are unforgiving. It is clear – a clear sharp contrast. Forgiveness of course originates in God because that is the very nature of God – to be forgiving. And God forgives us – long before we repent. Our repentance doesn’t merit God’s forgiveness. Our repentance is the means through which we receive it. Through repentance we don’t merit forgiveness but through repentance we are open – we open ourselves to receive the gift of forgiveness. And once given that gift of forgiveness is to be shared and so the Church is the community that receives the forgiveness of God and shares that forgiveness that it has received with everyone. Nobody is excluded from the forgiveness that we receive in our own hearts. If someone is excluded then we ourselves have not opened to the gift of forgiveness.

“From the perspective of love and spirit, forgiveness is willingness to let go of the hurtful past. It is the decision to no longer suffer – to heal your heart and soul – it is the choice to no longer find value in hatred or anger – and it is the letting go of the desire to hurt others or ourselves because of something that is already in the past. It is willingness to open our eyes to the light in other people rather to judge and condemn them.”

“Forgiveness, the greatest healer” – Jampolsky

“Forgiveness is a willingness to abandon one’s right to resentment, negative judgement and indifferent behaviour towards one who has unjustly injured us while fostering the underserved qualities of compassion, generosity and even love toward him or her.”

“International Institute of Forgiveness” – Enright

KINDNESS - AN INNATE QUALITY OF THE HUMAN CONDITION

Hugh Mackay is a highly respected Australian psychologist and author who has spent the majority of his working life studying and writing about people and Australian society. Hugh was a recent guest on the ABC’s Conversations. The podcast is highly recommended and is available on the ABC Listen app. Hugh was talking specifically about his new book The Kindness Revolution, in which he posits that humans are (mostly) innately kind and genuine in their compassion for others. He quotes numerous examples of kindness and challenges us as Australians to become a ‘loving country’ not just a ‘lucky one’.

Revolutions never start at the top. If we dare to dream of a more loving country - kinder, more compassionate, more cooperative, more respectful, more inclusive, more egalitarian, more harmonious, less cynical - there's only one way to start turning that dream into a reality: each of us must live as if this is already that country. (From The Kindness Revolution by Hugh Mackay)

You don’t need to look too far these days in Australia to see people or families in need of kindness. While we might have been lucky to date to escape the full wrath of COVID, we are reminded daily of the struggles affecting many people. When natural events like floods, bushfires and drought occur, Australians generously dig in to support those in need and this says much about the spirit of community that exists in our cities and towns. Acts of kindness however, occur every day and usually on a much smaller scale. It might be helping a neighbor, sending a message of friendship or even assisting a stranger in a random situation. These are the acts that Mackay is referring to and this concept links perfectly with our College Heart Values.

The Heart Value of Compassion is our focus for 2021 and random acts of kindness are occurring throughout our College each day. Our young people understand that showing compassion is not about self-aggrandising but is about identifying a need and responding to it. The more we all do this, the more we are part of the Kindness Revolution.

Paul Fairlie
Deputy Principal – Community and Wellbeing  

This week marks the end of Semester 1 of the College year. For Year 12 and Reception to Year 6 classes, this has little effect on subjects or teachers, whilst for Years 7-9 it is the next round of elective-type subjects that begin at this time. For Years 10 and 11 however, many students will begin different elective subjects in Semester 2. It is a busy time for students and teachers, as completion of activities and tasks occur in preparation for the reports that are distributed via SEQTA on the last day of Term 2. It is wonderful to see our parents and caregivers utilising the SEQTA Engage platform to keep in touch with their child’s learning journey. It is a significant, ongoing way to monitor progress and find out more about the learning and assessment for each subject. With reports now being sent via SEQTA for all R-12 year levels soon, we will be contacting the small number of families not connected to the Engage platform. If you need support regarding SEQTA access or functionality at any time, please contact the College.

As a reminder, SEQTA enables parents to check their child’s timetable, access reports and notices as well as subject details and assessment results. For Years 7-12, further information is available, such as lesson plans, resources and homework. You can also access previous letters sent from the College, community notices, policies, Link Up eNewsletters and upcoming events. We understand the importance of families, teachers and students working in close partnership to enable each child to reach their potential, and the SEQTA online learning platform is one method that is available at all times and from multiple device types, including mobile phones.

We certainly welcome feedback from parents about SEQTA, but also regarding any other aspect of communication between families and the College about your child’s learning. Feel free to email or call me to discuss your thoughts and suggestions.

I wish all members of our St Francis de Sales community a successful finish to the term and a wonderful holiday break!

Sonia Nelson
Deputy Principal - Learning

Year 8 Project Based Learning Gathering Garden

As part of Year 8 Project Based Learning (PBL) this semester, which is linked to Religious Education, students planted 260 seedlings at the Gathering Garden which is adjacent to Our Lady of Mercy Church in Mount Barker. This semester, Jane Bodroghy and I have been working with our students on the importance of the Pope's message in Laudato Si. We have also been assisted by Ross Oke from the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association Inc. with the garden design process and final planting.

This is another step in a project that has been part of the Year 8 curriculum for the last two and a half years, to create a place that links the Parish with our College. It has resulted in the planting of a habitat garden which will attract wildlife in time, and also the creation of a prayer labyrinth. This Gathering Garden will continue to be worked on in the coming years, as it evolves, and be a space for our College and Parish community to enjoy.

Thank you to the Maintenance Team who have assisted in the manual work needed to prepare the land for our planting. I encourage you and your children to go to the garden to see its progress, and to use the space.

Sacramental Program

Last weekend a group of our students celebrated their Sacrament of Confirmation and Holy Communion. This is an important part of their faith journey and a joyous occasion for them, their families, our College community, and the Catholic Church. We congratulate Beau Bockman, Eve Bockman, Elizabeth Brazzalotto, Lindsay Butler, Archer Coats, Jessica Kemp, Archie Jones, Sarah Morley, Chelsea Rigter, Joel Smith and Trinity Werts. We wish these students well on this special occasion, as we continue to support them on their faith journey. 

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia

On Monday May 24, the Archdiocese of Adelaide and Port Pirie celebrated and acknowledged 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia, with the celebration of a Mass at St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral in Adelaide. Archbishop Patrick O’Regan led the celebration, which involved representation from Catholic schools and agencies within the Archdiocese of Adelaide and Port Pirie. I attended with four students to represent our College. I thank Ruby Vears, Elliott Duffield, Mitchell Jacobson, and Anneliese Coats for attending with me. It was wonderful to see our Catholic family coming together to acknowledge an important milestone in our narrative.

The Fathering Project

We are pleased to have recently launched a new Dads Group for all the dads and father-figures of our College. It is part of the network called The Fathering Project.

The Fathering Project was established in Western Australia and has now expanded to other states, including South Australia. The network supports the delivery of programs, resources and events to dads and father-figures, to help inspire and equip them to positively engage with the children in their lives, and to act as a support for their fathering role. 

The launch was held on Thursday May 27, and all dads and father-figures within our College community were invited to come along for dinner and discussion. At this gathering, participants had the opportunity to meet and make new connections, and to hear more about what The Fathering Project has to offer.

The leaders of the group are Ian Flottman and David Clarke, and they are working with the broader Dads Group to plan their first event, which will involve the dads with their children. More information about this event will be presented soon. All dads and father-figures are welcome to attend with their children.

Charter of Children and Young People Launch Student Reflection

"On Wednesday June 9, I went to Adelaide Zoo for the Launch of the ‘Charter of Children and Young People’. I went with Lachlan, Kathryn, Bryce and Mr Farrugia. There was about 150 people there to discuss the Charter and a possible action plan. The charter has 20 points on it which were unpacked further in groups. Every group discussed about 2-5 of these points and gave them to the artists who made an artwork out of our ideas/points. During lunchtime we were able to walk around the zoo for about an hour. We saw a lot of different types of animals and found out some information about them. I found this day very educational and I am very happy about what we achieved with the Charter and learned." Rachel, Year 8

Vinnies Sleepout

As the weather starts to become colder and wetter, we are fortunate to be able to shelter inside our houses where its warm and safe. Unfortunately, there are many people within our local community and broader community who are homeless. This means that for many, they sleep outside in the cold, struggle to find food, and are anxious about their safety at night.

Vinnies has been one of many agencies to support people who are in the difficult situation of being homeless, or simply struggling to make ends meet. At our College we are supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal this term. We are asking families to donate items for this Appeal, and we thank you sincerely for your generosity. The items that are in most need by Vinnies are:

•  Clothing (new or good-used condition)
•  Blankets (new or good-used condition)
•  Non-perishable food 
•  Toiletries
•  Toys (new or good-used condition)

We are also raising awareness in a very practical way, amongst our student and staff community of the challenges that homeless people face on a daily basis. On the evening of Wednesday June 30, the College's Vinnies Sleepout is happening, as part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal. The event will begin at dinner time at the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). The Vinnies FIA Group are running a program for the students who attend, which will conclude with the making of cardboard shelters under the veranda near the PAC. The participants will sleep the night in their cardboard shelters (with sleeping bags). On the Thursday morning, the participants will be served a breakfast and then get ready for the school day, using the College's bathroom facilities. Students (Year 6-12) and staff are invited to be part of this informative and important activity. Each participant is required to collect sponsors as part of their commitment to the Vinnies Sleepout, who will donate money for their efforts. All money raised will go to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

Oreste Farrugia
APRIM

As we head toward the last part of Term 2, we can reflect on what has been another busy and productive term for everyone in our R-6 community.

As the winter weather has set in, our students have been able to fully appreciate the fun and beauty of our natural play spaces, in particular the creek and rain garden. They have loved playing in and observing the creek and rain garden in full flow. It has been really exciting to see all the wildlife that has started to inhabit these spaces and searching for frogs has been a particular highlight for many students! This has led to lots of curiosity and inquiry about how to keep our habitats safe and healthy for all the creatures now inhabiting these spaces.

This term we have also been lucky enough to celebrate our community Masses at Our Lady of Mercy Church after a long absence due to COVID restrictions. We would like to particularly thank Father Richard and all the local parishioners for accommodating us in a safe way. It has been great to be able to visit the Church again.

In the final weeks of this term, we are excited to welcome all our new mid-year intake Reception students for some transition visits before they commence their schooling officially next term. We look forward to welcoming these students and their families into our College community. We have also had several new students join us this term across all year levels and it has been fantastic to see so many new faces at our College. We welcome you all warmly to our community.

We had a new staff member join us this term and until the end of Term 3. Liz Stewart comes to us to work in the Year 5 community and as the 3-6 Year Level Leader, whilst I (Alice Taylor) work as the Acting R-6 Director of Learning during Rowan Thomas’ leave. We have enjoyed getting to know Liz and certainly appreciate the wealth of experience and knowledge she brings to the roles. We warmly welcome Liz into our College community.

Finally, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the families who have supported and contributed most generously to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Our collection of goods will certainly make a really positive impact on those less fortunate in our local community this winter. There is still time to bring in donations, we will be collecting until the end of Term 2.

Alice Taylor
Year 5 Teacher, Acting R-6 Director of Learning and E-6 Literacy Leader

MFS Road Awareness Program

As part of our Pastoral Care Program the Year 11 and 12 students attended the Metropolitan Fire Service Road Awareness Program on Wednesday June 9 in the Community Sports Centre. Members from the presentation team, Josh, Yudhi and Craig attended, and we also welcomed the Mount Barker MFS team, Dareen, Sam, Emma and Scott (Emma and Scott are two old scholars). Josh provided an interactive and powerful message in the presentation accidents and crashes, highlighting the need to be a responsible driver. During the presentation, firefighter Josh, shared his personal experience, with a focus on ways in which people are affected by road trauma and how a young person's life may change following a motor vehicle crash. The highlight of the program is our guest speaker Yudhi: a real-life crash survivor who talked to the students about their ordeal. Through sharing their story, they make an impassioned plea for students to learn from their mistakes. We hope that this provides students with the awareness of how important responsible driving is and how to be a positive bystander with their peers.

Rosslyn Mattner​
11-12 Leader, SACE Coordinator and Teacher

Student Reflections

"On June 9, Yudhi, a major road crash survivor and Joshua from the Metropolitan Fire Service came and spoke with our Stage 1 and 2 cohort at the College around road safety. They presented information regarding our safety and ways we could reduce the accidents that occur on our roads. The main ways to reduce collisions is to reduce your speed on unfamiliar roads, not drive under the influence and put aside any distractions. After an opening session with Joshua on safety precautions and their consequences, Yudhi gave us a heartfelt story upon his life. He was a young man on his way home from work, but little did he know what was in store for the ride home: a P-plater ran a red light, and he was severely injured whilst riding his motorcycle. Even though this may not have been his fault, he still felt the consequences of what happened that night after work, he would never be the same. He had found himself with multiple broken bones, but that was not the worst, he fell into a coma for 15 days where he was woken, with results done on his health status he was rapidly deteriorating and was put back into a coma for another 20 days in the hope of survival after only a 10% chance of survival. After he had regained consciousness, countless hours of prolonged treatment and therapy were required to help him walk, talk, and respond to his surroundings. He was an engineer and much more, but his career was over as soon as someone became irresponsible on the road. With everything he has been through he came and spoke to us about his life so that we would never have to go through what he had to, for this we are ever grateful for him and all of the volunteer workers helping our community grow because without you we would get no-where, thank you." Maximilian Koral, Year 12

"The presentation was insightful and demonstrated how lucky I am that my family are safe and alive. It was amazing to hear the experiences of those who have gone through dark times all because of a single decision and risk." Taylor Moffatt, Year 12

Senior Music Night

On Thursday June 3, students from the Senior Music Class performed in the Performing Arts Centre for family and friends as a part of their Stage 1 and 2 SACE Assessments.

Under the guidance of R-12 Music teacher, Bec Page, students wowed us with their ever-developing skills and talent.

Student Reflection of the evening

"The Senior Music Night was a special night where it was great to see the talented senior performers showcase their hard work. Everyone's performances were exceptional, from the star vocalists to the skillful instrumentalists. Everyone showed great commitment and work ethic towards their musical involvements. The event was a joy to watch and reminded me how proud I am to be a part of the College Music Department." Lucas Rutter, Saxophonist and Senior Music Student, Year 11

Class of Cabaret 2021

We wish Isabella Jenke (Year 12 student and Music Captain) well as she embarks on her performance run in the Adelaide Cabaret Festival as a part of the Class of Cabaret Program. Following in the footsteps of our 2019 participant, Eliza Lovelock, we’re excited to see Bella bring her special blend of talent, dedication, and fabulous stage presence to the state-wide stage! Break a leg, Bella! 

For more information visit www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/about/class-of-cabaret-program

COMING SOON – Nocturnal Grooves Semester 1 Music Concert

On Thursday July 1, we will have our annual Semester 1 Music Concert, this year called Nocturnal Grooves. Featuring Music students and ensembles from Year 7 and above, the evening promises to be exceptionally groovy. Please keep an eye out for the Consent2Go permissions for your child.

Instrumental Lessons – Vacancies

We currently have active vacancies in the guitar and percussion programs. Please contact us at the email address below for more information.

As always, please direct any questions about Music, instrumental lessons, and ensembles to music@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au

Yours in Music,

Emily Lovelock
Music Support

Let’s Love – Live and Streamed Performance

On Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May, Week 5, the Performing Arts Centre was transformed into a space that was filled with love, both visually and metaphorically – lots of red love hearts hung all over and around the stage created an atmosphere that pre-empted the love that came from the hearts of all of the dance classes involved in presenting their performance in the Semester 1 Dance production of Let’s Love!

Over one afternoon and two nights, students presented their entertaining and fun performances, once for the Junior School students (who are a brilliant audience, and a performance we always look forward to) and another two evening performances for an enthusiastic, socially distanced audience, while at the same time the production was filmed for the streamed version of Let’s Love – The Movie.

A huge thank you must go to Aleks Bojanic who once again worked his magic with the incredible light and sound production. An expression of immense gratitude must also be given to Aleks for once again adding his incredible talent to the post-production work. I am also incredibly lucky to have both Tayla Ward and Aaliyah Ferreira working with the Dance Minis and Dance Crew and Jacob Robson taking care of the ‘Green Room’ (Dressing Room) chaos!

The streamed production of Let’s Love is now available, via a private link, until the end of the term. The link has been emailed directly to all parents, caregivers and to the students involved in the performance; however, if you did not receive the link and would like to see the amazing Dance student’s performing in Let’s Love, please email Peta Bojanic at pbojanic@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au to have the link sent directly to you. I am truly blessed to work with such amazing students and I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of them.

Peta Bojanic
Dance Teacher

Stage 2 Drama – Bethel Park Falls

On Wednesday June 9, Week 7, our Stage 2 Drama students took to the stage for their SACE moderated performance of the emotionally charged production of Bethel Park Falls. This heart felt play told the story of the residents of the small town of Bethel who are facing a crisis. Their beloved park has been sold out from under them and it's sending their lives into a tailspin. In nine interconnected vignettes, sixteen locals grapple with the loss of jobs, homes, and spouses, but find love, courage, and forgiveness as the park magically transforms and connects them. Bethel Park Falls draws a group of complex, fascinating, funny people together into one poignant story about the spaces where communities connect.

This was the final performance for the 2021 Stage 2 Drama students who were all outstanding in their final dramatic performance. I would like to thank them for their valued contribution to the dramatic arts and wish them all the very best as they embark on the next chapter in their lives.

Year 9 Drama Performance – Goldie Locks On

On Monday June 7, Week 7, our Year 9 Drama students performed their crazy and chaotic pantomime Goldie Locks On. What started as one girl (Goldie) deciding to let herself into the Three Bear’s house, turned into a veritable home invasion when more fairy tale characters turned up at the front door, demanding entry, causing Goldie no end of problems! All of the students presented their characterisation like seasoned performers, thoroughly entertaining the Junior School students during an interactive performance in the afternoon, and again for family and friends at the evening performance that night.

A streamed version of the recorded performance of Bethel Park Falls and Goldie Locks On will be available from Monday 21 June, via a private link. If you would like to view these incredible performances, email Peta Bojanic at pbojanic@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au and the link will be emailed to you.

Peta Bojanic
Drama Teacher

Knockout and Interschool Sport

Term 2 has seen our College participate in a wide range of Knockout and Interschool Sport. We have competed in AFL both boys and girls, Netball, Volleyball, Futsal, Basketball and Cross Country, and we are continuing to compete into next term as well. All teams in all sports performed admirably, representing our College beautifully. A huge thanks must be given to our coaches, both current staff members and old scholars, who have given up their time to manage these teams. The following teams have succeeded into the next rounds and we wish them every success into the future:

• Year 10 Girls Netball
• Year 8/9 Girls Netball
• Open Girls Basketball

R-6 Clinics

Over the past week our Junior School students have enjoyed a series of Baseball SA clinics, aimed at promoting a new, street version of the game, Baseball5s. They have worked on their throwing and catching skills as well as base running, and they have all enjoyed themselves immensely. Any families wanting to find out more about Baseball SA are encouraged to check out their website.

St Francis de Sales Auskick

Next term we will be offering an 8-week Auskick program on Thursdays from 3:30pm – 4:30pm. Please click on the links below for more information and to register:

First Program of 2021 www.playhq.com/afl/register/4993a2 

Second Program of 2021 www.playhq.com/afl/register/26956a

NOTE: Participants are able to complete a second Auskick program in 2021 at a discounted registration price of $50.

SAPSASA News

Congratulations to Jed Sinkunas, Seth Dellow, Ethan Dellow and Andrew Murphy who have made the SAPSASA Barker District AFL team for Year 6 and to Aiden Sanders, Jordan Tongerie, Connor Hines, Hamilton Penney and Kale Matthews-Hampton for Year 7. They will compete in a carnival later this term and I am certain they will make us proud.

Continuing throughout the year we will have more opportunities for students in Years 6 to 11 to trial for school representative teams. As these teams are nominated the coaches will place notices in SEQTA Notices with the relevant information for students. Parents can also keep an eye on SEQTA notices through SEQTA Engage. If there are ever any questions about these activities please email Nadia Honner.

Nadia Honner 
Learning Area Specialist - Health and Physical Education and Specialist Sport Coordinator

The Parent Community Group (PCG) continues to meet monthly, busily organising upcoming events and continuing to work on ongoing initiatives.

Our last meeting acknowledged the work of volunteers during Volunteer’s Week. We operate by volunteers and would not be as successful as it is today without the continued efforts of each volunteer. The PCG is an important part of the St Francis de Sales community and is a great way parents can be actively involved with the College.

Frankie’s Café continues to be successfully attended. Open fortnightly in the new Reception/Early Learning Centre Meya Watta Building, it provides a great way to catch up and enjoy a specially brewed coffee for a gold coin donation. Emma Petersen continues to do a wonderful job overseeing the café, ordering stock and ensuring everything is ready to go. Thank you also to the PCG members who volunteer each fortnight to help.

Frankie’s Café is open from 8:15am to 9:00am on the even weeks of the term. Our last opening for Term 2 is Friday 2 July, we would love to see you there!

There are some great events coming up. Stay tuned as more information will be sent out to families soon.

We welcome new members at any time throughout the year and are always looking for new ideas. We value all contributions. Our next meeting will be held Tuesday 20 July at 6:30pm. If you would like to join us, please email Sue Werts at PCG@stfrancis.catholic.edu.au

We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and valued contribution. We look forward to the upcoming events.

Sue Werts
Chair of the Parent Community Group

Describe your family and what a typical weekend looks like?
Hi, we’re Caroline, Josh and Darrin Engelhardt. Josh is in Year 8, Darrin works in banking and finance and I’m a stay-at-home mum. We have been at St Francis de Sales since Josh was in Year 3 and loves it. Our weekends include a Friday family movie night, archery on Sundays, Josh loves running and outdoor activities and Darrin plays music. Other weekends we love camping and exploring our great state.

What attracted you into the Parent Community Group and why did you volunteer to be a member?
I joined the PCG to be an active part of the College community and meet other parents and staff.

What are your hopes for the future of the St Francis de Sales College community?
I feel I’ve had a rewarding experience through my involvement in the PCG and hope to see more parents grow this part of the community to broaden it’s diversity.

How do you see the College Heart Values lived in our College community?
Through our years with the College we have seen the Faith value lived by including daily prayers to start the school day. Compassion value by the school being involved with the Footsteps program. Respect value by teaching and supporting students about bullying and harassment and encouraging students to be the best version of themselves.

This week marks a special milestone for Alive Mount Barker. On Wednesday, June 16 we had a liturgy to celebrate the continued learning journey of our Preschool/Kindergarten students as they transition into the College. We feel very privileged to have had these children attend our Preschool as we work in partnership with their families to support their learning.

The Educators in our Preschool space Jenny Silver, Nisha D’Costa and Annie Chadbourne have worked closely with the children to prepare them for the transition to school. They have taken the children on nature walks throughout the College grounds, spent time in the Community Sports Centre and have had visits to the library. A highlight for our preschool children has been the visits from the Reception teachers. Whenever our preschool children see the teachers in the College they always call out to them by name and wave. The children have also enjoyed spending crunch and sip times with the current Receptions and have joined in with Recess on a number of occasions.

Although we are sad that our preschool children are leaving Alive we will still be a part of their learning community and are looking forward to watching them continue to grow and reach their full potential.

Liz Schembri
Head of Early Learning